Common Retail Interview Questions and Best Answers

Common Retail Interview Questions and Best AnswersCommon Retail Interview Questions and Best AnswersInterviewing for a job can be stressful, but it doesnt have to be. Carefulpreparationtakes much of the uncertainty out of the experience, and enayas that you present yourself in a confident, competent way. This is especially important when youre bewerbungsinterviewing for a job in retail because youll need to show the hiring manager that you have theinterpersonal skillsto provide optimal service to your customers. Before the big day, make aya you have a few appropriate interview outfits to choose from and that you have done your homework. That meansresearching the companyyou are applying to and reviewing your responses to likely interview questions.These are some of the interview questions that you may get during a retail job interview. Typical Questions Asked in a Retail Job Interview 1. Do you work well with people? What They Want to KnowRetail work is often collaborative. Interv iewers want to know if you will be able to get along with, and work smoothly with, your fellow employees. Some may also be watching for signs that an employee will be too social at work, so be thoughtful in your response. Go beyond yes in your response to this question- provide examples or talk about how your colleagues would describe you inorderto expand on your response. I work really smoothly with others. I think thats really important in retail, where its important for every person on the floor to seem like theyre part of the saatkorn team. Expand2. What is good customer service? What They Want to KnowInterviewers are eager to find out if your definition of customer service matches the companys. Keep in mind For brick-and-mortar stores, providing a memorable, positive experience for customers is essential to success. To me, the heart of good customer service is accommodating customers. That means greeting them cheerfully and having the knowledge to answer their questions as well . I always give customers a smile and greeting, and try to get to know store inventory,aswell.Thisensures that if a customer has a question about sizing or fit, Im ready with an answer. Expand3. What hours are you available? What They Want to KnowThis question is fairly straightforward Interviewers need to know which shifts youll be available to work. Be honest in your response, but also be aware that interviewers are likely to want to hire people with flexible schedules. If your availability is flexible, mention that in your answer. Since Im in college, Im not available during class hours. For me, thats Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, as well as early on Friday morning. Other than that, Im available to work any shift you have available - and Im eager for hours, so nights and weekends are fine with me. Expand4. Why do customers shop at this store? What They Want to KnowInterviewers want to assess your understanding of the companys brand and the shopping experience the company seek s to provide. This is your opportunity to show off any company research youve done - so, if youve visited the store and noticed something meaningful, share it in your response. Its all about the experience. For instance, at my local branch, theres always a candle burning. Other branches Ive been to have fresh flowers. And Ive noticed how the clerks give me a cheerful greeting and personalized recommendations. No one ever seems like theyre aggressively selling to me. From start to finish, I think customers enjoy the experience of stopping in at ABC Company - its like a treat. Expand5. A customer becomes irate with you, and demands to speak to your supervisor. How do you handle the situation? What They Want to KnowNot everything goes smoothly all the time. Interviewers want to assess how youd deal with a stressful situation. When I speak to customers, I always try to be empathetic, and truly understand and fix the issue. But sometimes, a herausforderung isnt fixable or a customer is just in a truly bad mood. If a customer asked to speak to my supervisor, Id agree, and also apologize for not being able to resolve the situation. Then, Id grab my supervisor as fast as possible, and explain the circumstances so my supervisor would be prepared to deal with the customer. Afterwards, Id probably ask my supervisor for feedback, in case theres anything I can do to avoid asimilar situation in the future. Expand6. Why are you applying to work here? What They Want to KnowYour answer to this question will reveal if you feel positively (and even passionately) about the company and its products, or just want any job. The best responses are specific, and focused on the company (not you). All my life Ive been a big reader. Thats a solo activity mostly, but I love to make recommendations to friends and family. Id love to work at ABC Bookstore to be able to help customers find books- whether its a specific title they cant find on the shelves or a just-right title for a celebrato ry occasion. Expand7. What would you do if your replacement doesnt show up? What They Want to KnowLeaving your spot is not the answer Interviewers are looking to see that you know maintaining coverage is mora important than your personal plans. This question is also a way to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. My first step would be to reach out to my replacement, to get a sense of the situation. Id want to know if the person is a complete no-show, or just stuck in traffic. Then, Id find my supervisor and let her know about the situation, so we could figure out alternative options together. Expand8. If hired, how long do you plan on working here? What They Want to KnowThe hiring process and training new employees is time-consuming and expensive for employers. Interviewers want to get a sense of if youll be sticking around- or just taking the job for a few months. If you are planning on a very short-term stint, you do not need to mention it. If hired, Id like to work with ABC Co mpany on a long-term basis. Im in school for the next four years, and eager for a consistent role and to be part of the team here. Expand9. The credit card machine is broken. What do you say to the customers? What They Want to KnowTechnological and other hiccups happen when you work in retail. Interviewers are looking for a glimpse of your problem-solving and communication skills in your response to this question. The earlier people know the machines are down, the better. So first, Id make sure my manager was aware of the situation. Then, Id suggest putting up a sign to inform customersthat the machine is down, so they can run to the ATM before getting to the cash register. As customers paid, Id apologize for the inconvenience and thank them for their understanding. Expand10. What do you see as your greatest strength? What They Want to KnowInterviewers want to know if your strengths match the companys needs. In your response, emphasize relevant skills that will benefit the company. Having strong communication skills means that I can work well with other team members, and thatIam also very comfortable interacting with customers. I tend to think of myself as a real people-person, and I genuinely enjoy interacting with customers and helping them find the items theyre looking for. Expand More Common Questions About You Who was your best boss? Why? -Best AnswersWhere do you see your career in fiveyears? -Best AnswersWhat has been your greatest accomplishment? -Best AnswersDo you have reliable transportation? More Customer Focused Questions What is customer service? -Best AnswersYou are scheduled to leave at 6 pm. Your replacement worker doesnt show up. What would you do?A customer wants to pay for $15 worth of merchandise in quarters - do you accept it?A customer wants to return a package of food that is open and half gone. What will you do?A co-worker is rude to customers. What would you do?You discover one of your co-workers giving free merchandise to his friends. What would you do?If a customer leaves without paying for gas, what would you do? What is most important - a good product or friendly, fast service? Sample Math Questions When youre asked math questionsduring a retail job interview, the interviewer wants to know that you have basic math skills.Review these tipsto help you know how to confidently answer math questions during an interview. Then, practice your responses by reviewing this list of common math interview questions for retail employees. The customers purchase totals $13.93. She gives you a ten-dollar bill and a five-dollar bill. How much change do you give her?If one bottle of soda costs $0.99, how much do three bottles cost? How much do they cost with 5% tax added on?Each pot of coffee holds 6 cups. We usually sell 10 cups of coffee every 15 minutes. How many pots of coffee will you need to make during our two-hour rush?Potato chips are on sale at half price. They sell for $1.19. How much is 50% off?A customer buys $27 worth of gas. He gives you a $50 bill. How much change do you give him? 55 x 20 24 - 48 62 28 14 36 82.20 - 53.66 15 x 7% 8.50 x 4% 19 x 15% How to Answer Retail Job Interview Questions During a retail job interview, your interviewers goal will be to get a sense of your personality and work style. Thatll help reveal if youre a good fit for the company. Answerquestions about yourselfhonestly, but be mindful of creating the best possible impression. Youll also likely get questions around yourcustomer service abilities, since retail jobs involve being around many people each day. Look for ways to show in your responses that you will prioritize the customer and provide strong customer service (even if customers are demanding or difficult). How to Prepare for a Retail Job Interview Interviewers will be looking for candidates who would fit in on the floor of the company. If you can, spend some time in the store before your interview. Watching how employees interact wi th customers can provide helpful insight. As well, you should be knowledgeable about the products sold in the store, and have a sense of the companys brand. Visit the stores website and read the about me page, andlookat the companys social media accounts,aswell,to get a sense of the companys identity. This research, along with preparing your responses to common retail interview questions, will help you ace the interview. Questions to Ask the Interviewer One of the questions you may be asked during a job interview for a retail position is Do you have any questions for me? Remember that interviewing works both ways, and asking questions is an opportunity to be sure the job is a good fitforyou. Have alist of questionsready to ask that will clarify the job requirements, your schedule, the flexibility of the position, and anything else that would help you decide whether you would want the job if it were offered to you. How many hours per week do you expect that I would work?What are the typical shifts covered by this position?Are weekend/evening hours required?How flexible are the hours and the schedule?Do the hours vary weekly, or stay the same?What are your busiest times during the day?What is the busiest day here?Do you schedule people for primarily the same hours every week, or do they vary greatly?Are there extra hours available during the holidays?How far in advance is the schedule posted?How many sales associates are on the floor during a shift? Is there a supervisor on during all shifts?Who does your displays?What is your biggest selling item?Do you offer commission?Are the wertmiger zuwachs reviews done by the store manager, or does a regional manager come in?Does this company have a policy of promoting from within?How many full-time employees does this store employ?What kind of atmosphere among the employees is there at this store/shop/boutique?What kind of growth do you expect to see from this company over the next five years?Will I be part of a team , or be working primarily independently? Will I have the opportunity to interview with the supervisor of this position?Can you describe for me a typical day in this position?How would you describe your companys management style?Is there an opportunity for growth within the company?What do you like best about working here?What do you like least about working here?Would you change anything about this department?If Im offered this position, how soon would you like forme to start?How many applicants are you interviewing for this position? Is there a dress code? What would I need to wear to work?When should I expect to hear from you? This is a lot of questions Do not feel like you have to ask them all. Jot down the ones that are important to you. Only ask questions that have not already been addressed during the interview. How to Make the Best Impression To leave your interviewer with a good impression, start by dressing professionally. Here is advice onhow to select an interview out fit. When your interviewer greets you, make sure tosmile and give a good handshake. Youll want to be upbeat and have high energy during your interview. Both of these characteristics are desirable in retail employees. Comeprepared to the interview. That means having basic knowledge about the company and its products, as well as practicing your responses to the interview questions above.

How to Get a Job at Audible

How to Get a Job at AudibleHow to Get a Job at Audible If youre looking for a sprawling office filled with desks, a hushed silence and feverishly typing coworkers, Audible is not the company for you. When candidates first walk into any of the Audible offices- whether in Newark, NJ, Cambridge, MA or Berlin, DE - theres undeniable energy. Its a warm, friendly and energetic atmosphere where people are working hard to build great products and having fun while doing it, says Aviv Wecler, Director of Tech Recruiting at Audible. And its got nothing to do with the company perks, instead, its built into the fiber of the people. At Audible, we landseek out people who embody the behaviors associated with the Audible People Principles. ur People Principles celebrate who we are and where weve been and guide the way we work shoulder to shoulder to enhance the lives of our millions of customers. They reflect and apply to everyone who works at Audible- be customer obsessed, imag ine and invent before they ask, draw inspiration from culture and technology, activate caring, and articulate the possible and move fast to make it real.Audible is the leading creator and provider of premium digital spoken audio content, offering customers a rich destination for insight and inspiration to enhance their daily lives. They are on a mission to unleash the power of the spoken word. To do that, theyre amassing a talented group of software development engineers, data scientists, UX pros, communications experts and more. However, applying for a role at Audible wont be like any other hiring process. Audible promises the white glove treatment.We know that there are many opportunities available for Tech professionals today, so we have made a specific effort to control that which we have control over and have received high praise from candidates because of the candidate experience we provide, says Wecler. We like to call it humanizing the experience. We spend time getting to know a candidates interests and whats important to them. We provide a comprehensive walkthrough of what they are going to experience in the interviews and prepare them for each step of the way. Our interviews are not easy and we want to make sure that candidates are prepared for the process. Candidates have told us they feel the Recruiting team is a partner to them in their interview journey.Now that weve piqued your interest, here we lay out how to get a coveted job at Audible . Take notesYou may think its impossible to know whether a company is perfect for you until after youve snagged the job. But with a bit of research- and asking some important questions- you can determine whether a company is the right fit for you before you accept an offer.When it comes to Audible, theres so much you can learn from their Glassdoor profile and their careers hub . Do your research and see what about their culture and values ring true for you.I strongly believe that in order to be a successful employee at Audible, we must demonstrate the behaviors associated with our People Principles , says Wecler. Whether youre developing new content, working on an impressive tech stack, or introducing Audible to people around the globe, youll be part of a diverse group of firestarters who motivate and inspire each other through the stories we bring to life.Our People Principles guide the way Audible employees work to enhance the lives of customers. It starts with a focus on the customer and making deliberate choices to positively impact them. And, while we are working hard to deliver on our goals we Activate Caring by creating an environment where people are respectful.Knowing that there are many opportunities for tech professionals, Audible goes the extra mile to interview thoroughly and thoughtfully. One Glassdoor review sums up the typical interview process nicelyThe interview consisted of one call with the recruiter with some background questions, then a technical p hone sichtung with a software developer from the company with some behavioral questions in the beginning followed by two coding questions on a live codeshare site. Then I was brought onsite with 5 rounds of interviews, around 45min-1hour each. - Software Developer Engineer Interview ReviewThe application and interview process differs from role to role, but some of the ways we get to know you include your online application, assessments, phone interviews and onsite interviews. Onsite interview candidates can expect a 360-degree view of the company.Candidates are paired up with a lunch buddy to take a break from the interviews and to get a feel for the environment outside of the interview rooms. Theyll get a tour of our Newark campus and may get a peek behind the scenes of the content creation process with a tour of Audible studios, Wecler reveals.As the Director of Tech Recruiting, Wecler shared that he tends to ask behavioral interview questions or questions that will allow the can didate to share real stories about their past. Getting to know the candidate is important for him and his recruiters, who use the STAR technique . I am looking for teammates who can help make us better at what we do improve the way we work, make the candidate experience stronger, bring creative ideas to recruitment. For example, tell me about a time you had an idea to fix something that was broken or improve a process and were able to execute and deliver on that idea.Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, Audible has done a tremendous amount of work to both improve and give back to the city. Sure, its neighbor New York City has all the marquee flash, but Wecler says that Newark is a gem and worthy of candidates considering relocation.I didnt grow up in New Jersey but have grown to appreciate all that it has to offer. Newark, NJ is located in one of the most vibrant metro areas in the world. You should consider moving to this area if you want to be exposed to true diversity. We have a diversity of culture with a brilliant spectrum of ethnic and religious backgrounds.In Newark, Audible supports students in low-income, under-resourced communities by providing high-quality literacy programs in schools, comprehensive high school and college internships, a dedicated scholarship program, and large-scale community engagement programs. Candidates looking for purpose, have found a corporate partner.If you are looking to be a part of a comeback story something big and make a positive impact on society then you should join us in Newark, says Wecler. Audible is redefining what a modern technology company means and is making a positive impact in our community through a number of exciting efforts. If you are mission-driven person Audible in Newark is a great place to be.Since joining Audible in 2015, Wecler has been inspired by his colleagues who have made Audible a long-term career choice. After all, the company has been around since 1997 and has made technical innovatio n an unflinching priority. Audible has been around for over 20 years and has proven it can stay relevant in rapidly changing times which speaks to the culture of innovation. While Audible already has a very successful business, we all feel there is still tremendous opportunity to grow, he says.For current Audible employees, its also the real and tangible impact that they have on their customers lives that keeps them motivated. Wecler says, we get to hear directly from our listeners via phone calls, tweets, emails, home videos sharing stories about what Audible means to them and their families and these stories are very inspiring. Some people may come to us simply to help make their commute more enjoyable while others come to us to help with solving literacy challenges. The impact is meaningful.If youre looking for a company where you can invest five years or more and are looking to innovate, Audible may be right for you. We create innovative experiences and immersive stories so that people can feel the power of voice anywhere, anytime, without disruptions, says Wecler. As a modern company at the center of media, technology and storytelling Audible must evolve and adapt with the changing times and employees are expected to adapt and grow too.Are you an employer? Check out our Talent Solutions Blog .Thanks for finding us We cover everything from career advice to the latest company headlines.Were always looking for experts, executives and trends to feature on the Glassdoor blog. Interested? Contact us. And if youre looking for the latest in employer solutions and advice, we recommend our Talent Solutions Blog . It only takes a second see whos viewing your profile and monitor your reputation.

Free Entry-Level Resume Templates

Free Entry-Level Resume TemplatesFree Entry-Level Resume TemplatesAn entry-level administrative assistant resume keeps things simple. These basic resume designs and formats focus on you and your accomplishments, not fancy formats. These designs also enable you to make the best use of white space and help to balance your formal training and professional experience. Take a look at our entry-level resume examples to see how you can write and format a winning resume.Create ResumeEntry-Level Administrative Assistant ResumeCustomize ResumeIndustry SnippetsBy using our free entry-level administrative assistant resume templates, you will learn how to write a strong resume to launch the career you want. Entry-Level Pros and ConsOur free entry-level administrative assistant resume templates are designed to meet the needs of applicants who want to highlight their education, accomplishments, and hands-on experience acquired through internships, student work, or volunteer work.Pros Strong organiz ationPros Easy to readCons Format is not memorableCons It might be obvious that this is your first resumeResume TextGeraldJones123 Street,City, ST, 12345 (123) 456-7890 (H) (123) 456-7890 (C) schmelzglasisp.comProfessional SummaryAmbitious Administrative Assistant with strong writing, communication, and customer service skills, seeking to take next career step with an organization offering opportunities for professional advancement. Formal training in business administration with comprehensive experience in using MS Office Suite to achieve day-to-day business goals and optimize workflows. Success in developing efficient business processes to streamline workflow and enhance organizational performance.Skill HighlightsOffice administrationWorkflow optimizationCalendar managementFile and records managementTeam leadershipCorrespondence and reportingProfessional Experience9/1/2015 CurrentAdministrative Assistant InternLandmark Strategies Chicago, ILProvide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to enable day-to-day business operations.Collect, calculate, process, and submit travel expense reports to accounting department for approval.Develop and initiate workflow optimization strategies, cost control initiatives, and electronic reporting systems.Schedule and organize meetings, teleconferences, and travel for company leadership.Manage Senior Vice Presidents calendars, agendas, and itineraries.Prepare complex reports such as budget and sales reports to facilitate decision-making by company leadership.Manage office supplies and equipment schedule preventative and reparative maintenance to maintain equipment and minimize operational disruptions.3/1/2014 12/1/2014Administrative AssistantOld St. Patricks Church Chicago, ILDelivered high quality administrative support to church, including copying and distributing booklets, flyers, and pamphlets.Contributed to maintenance and cleaning of church and church facilities.Worked with church leadership to create weekly bulletins.Participated in community outreach activities to promote church and strengthen relationships between church and community.Education and TrainingRobert Morris CollegeBusiness Administration Studies 2016Chicago, IL

Research reveals How to create happy memories that will last a lifetime

Research reveals How to create happy memories that will last a lifetimeResearch reveals How to create happy memories that will last a lifetimeYour first kiss. Graduation. Your first job. Your wedding day. Birth of your first child.These are the big memories that we all cherish. But there are otherlittlememories that stick out because they had such a powerful emotional impact on you. Moments that enriched your life, anleiheed you with others and helped you define who you are.Well, the latter are just magic, right? Serendipity. Cant engineer that. They just happen*Writer rolls his eyes so hard he gets a migraine.*Yeah, and sometimes theydont. mora often than not, one day rolls into the next, one month rolls into the next, you blink your eyes and youre staring down the barrel of another New Years Day sayingwhere the heck did the time go?Serendipity can be a bus that never arrives.So why do we leave special moments to chance? And why do we not do mora to create those special memories for others - the way wed like them to make some for us?We get tired. We get lazy. And then boom - suddenly CVS is loaded with Christmas ornaments and it signals the end of another year.No good. If we want great memories we have to make them.But how do you do that?What makes some little moments so powerful? And others the epitome of meh?Chip and Dan Heath have a new book that lays out the science you need to know - The Power of Moments Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact.Time to learn how to construct more vorstellungs that will restock your reminiscence reservoir. Boost your nostalgia number. Fill your flashback fund.Lets get to work1) Create moments of elevationParties. Competing in sporting events. Taking off on a spontaneous road trip. What do they have in common?FromThe Power of MomentsMoments of elevation are experiences that rise above the routine. They make us feel engaged, joyful, amazed, motivated.If you feel the need to pull out a camera, its probably a moment of elevation. (Unless youre taking a selfie. In that case, just put it away, you narcissist.)So what is it at the core of a moment of elevation that we can add to any event to make it more special? Remember the 3 Sssensory, stakes, and script.Boost sensory appealThis is why concerts, museums and great meals stick in your memory and why sitting on the couch is so forgettable. Engaging the senses more intensely makes moments stand out.Raise the stakesCompeting in a sporting event is more exciting than watching one. In fact, betting on a sporting event makes watching one more entertaining. If theres something to gain or lose, youll be paying attention.Break the script Dont do the usual thing. Dont just get coffee or have dinner. Boring. Take your default and flip it on its head. Defy expectations and strategically surprise people.Southwest Airlines broke the script by tweaking their normal flight safety announcement. One of the lines they added wasIf you should get to use the life ves t in a real-life situation, the vest is yours to keep.People loved it. In fact, those who heard the new messages actually flew more. And that resulted in an extra $140 million per year for Southwest. Breaking the script produces delightful moments.The Heath brothers write,The fruchtwein memorable periods of our lives are when we break the script.Sounds kinda pat and corny but its true.Research shows that when older people look back on their lives, a disproportionate number of their big memories happened in a very narrow window between ages 15 and 30.Thats not even 20% of the average lifespan.Is this because our memory is sharper then? Or because young adulthood is a magic time?Heck, noIts because after 30 life can get pretty darn boring.After their third decade has passed, fruchtwein people dont do anything as novel as falling in love for the first time, leaving home, going to college, or starting their first job.So months and years blur together because nothing new and shiny happe ns. But neuroscientist David Eagleman says that when you inject novelty into your life, you prevent the blur. Surprise stretches time. So break the script and interrupt the blur with moments of elevation.(To learn more about the science of a successful life, check out my new bookhere.)So boosting sensory appeal, raising the stakes and breaking the script can turn little moments into big memories. What else has that power?2) Celebrate moments of prideA graduation party. The ceremony where you received your black belt. Or that special session when the parole board declared you rehabilitated.You want to commemorate achievements. When you have your skill noticed by others, you can puff your chest out and take a second to feel really good about yourself.And this is not a nice to have. Research shows weneedthese.FromThe Power of MomentsCarolyn Wiley of Roosevelt University reviewed four similar stusies of employee motivation conducted in 1946, 1980, 1986 and 1992. In each of the studies, employees were asked to rank the factors that motivated them. Popular answers included interesting work, job security, good wages, and feeling of being in on things. Across the studies, which spanned 46 years, only one factor was cited every time as among the top two motivators full appreciation of work done.According to one survey the Heath brothers found, the 1 reason people leave their jobs is a lack of praise and recognition. So take the time to appreciate what youve accomplished and to let others celebrate with you.Now I know what some people are thinkingBut I dont achieve big stuff very oftenBut youve already made big strides that you never took the time to revel in. Surface the milestones that already exist. How long have you and your BFF been friends? Ever celebrated that? Didnt think so. (No, that does not make you a bad friend. I still like you. Youre cool.)The Heath brothers tell the story of one couple that even looked back and actually celebratedfightsthe two of them ha d during their first year of marriage. Why? Because they got past them. They overcame the obstacles. Thats worth appreciating.And for extra credit, set goals. Build milestones on the road ahead. Why? Because the more finish lines you set, the more moments of pride youll be able to celebrate. Not only does that feel good, it willmotivate you.George Wu at the University of Chicago looked at the data on how long it took over nine million runners to complete marathons. Most took about 3.5 to 5 hours. But the results werent evenly distributed. Theres this huge spike right before the 4 hour mark. Why? 4 hours is arbitrary, right?Yeah - but its a nice round number. And for many it is achievable if they push themselves. People saw that arbitrary time limit approaching and kicked in the afterburners so they could say, I finished in under 4 hours. And so many did.Celebrate moments of pride. You dont have to win a Nobel Prize. In fact, celebrating a silly milestone breaks the script and may b e even more memorable. Set goals so you have more moments of pride to motivate you to achieve and have more things to celebrate in the future.(To learn the seven-step morning ritual that will make you happy all day, clickhere.)So youve elevating and celebrating milestones. Great.But relationships are what brings us the most happiness. (And ice cream. Ice cream brings happiness, too.) So how do we make memories that deepen our relationships with others? (And may involve ice cream?)3) Build moments of connectionVacations. Reunions. Holidays.The times that bond us with others where we feel all kinds of warm fuzzies.These are the moments when some of the most powerful memories are formed.What does the research say deepens the connections you feel with others?Struggle. Yeah,struggle. No, Im not saying you should get in an argument with Uncle Jack again.Anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas (say that three times fast) found that groups that went through high-ordeals bonded far more than those that went through low-ordeals. Struggling together made people closer. This is why fraternities haze. Why soldiers feel like they are kin.So what the heck does this have to do with relaxing vacations and get-togethers with friends?Less watching movies and more playing board games as kollektivs. Less shopping and more touch football. If it ends with high-fives, youre probably in the ballpark.And even better if its a team activity that is connected tomeaning. Yes, that even means helping your friend paint their new kitchen and having beers after. Youre helping them turn that house into their home.Even if it sounds like a chore beforehand, we often look back fondly on those times. especially if your friend paints himself into a corner.(To learn the 4 rituals from neuroscience that will make you happy, clickhere.)Okay, weve learned a lot. Hopefully it was a memorable moment - but just in case, lets round it all up and learn how to make the most powerful memories of allSum upThis is ho w to create happy memories that will last a lifetimeCreate moments of elevation Boost sensory appeal (light some fireworks.) Break the script (dont wait for the 4th of July.) Raise the stakes (hope you dont get arrested.)Celebrate moments of pride If yourfirst bookcomes out and someone insists you go someplace special that night,do it. Otherwise you wouldnt have a vivid memory. You wouldnt have photos. All you would have is some random date to remember like in 8th grade history class.Build moments of connection Struggle. Working together on something, especially something meaningful, bonds us together. So just help Gary move this weekend and stop whining.How do you make the most powerful memories of all?You dont have to use just one of the tips above to improve a moment - you can use themall.Celebrate a friends moment of pride with the struggle of a paintball match and break the script by also making it a costume party with everyone getting decked out in full military regalia - fr om the Revolutionary War.Nowthatsmemorable. And insane. But insane is memorable. And not boring.You now know how to make great memories that can last you the rest of your life. You can make them for friends as well even better,sharethem with friendsBut usually we dont. We do the hum-drum and the days blur together. Life becomes stale and boring and we die a little inside. But you dont have to.Break the script. Dont let the script break you.Join more than 320,000 readers.Get a free weekly update via emailhere.Related postsNew Neuroscience Reveals 4 Rituals That Will Make You HappyNew Harvard Research Reveals A Fun Way To Be More SuccessfulHow To Get People To Like You 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior ExpertThis article first appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.Research reveals How to create happy memories that will last a lifetimeYour first kiss. Graduation. Your first job. Your wedding day. Birth of your first child.These are the big memories that we all cherish. But there are otherli ttlememories that stick out because they had such a powerful emotional impact on you. Moments that enriched your life, bonded you with others and helped you define who you are.Well, the latter are just magic, right? Serendipity. Cant engineer that. They just happen*Writer rolls his eyes so hard he gets a migraine.*Yeah, and sometimes theydont. More often than not, one day rolls into the next, one month rolls into the next, you blink your eyes and youre staring down the barrel of another New Years Day sayingwhere the heck did the time go?Serendipity can be a bus that never arrives.So why do we leave special moments to chance? And why do we not do more to create those special memories for others - the way wed like them to make some for us?We get tired. We get lazy. And then boom - suddenly CVS is loaded with Christmas ornaments and it signals the end of another year.No good. If we want great memories we have to make them.But how do you do that?What makes some little moments so power ful? And others the epitome of meh?Chip and Dan Heath have a new book that lays out the science you need to know - The Power of Moments Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact.Time to learn how to construct more events that will restock your reminiscence reservoir. Boost your nostalgia number. Fill your flashback fund.Lets get to work1) Create moments of elevationParties. Competing in sporting events. Taking off on a spontaneous road trip. What do they have in common?FromThe Power of MomentsMoments of elevation are experiences that rise above the routine. They make us feel engaged, joyful, amazed, motivated.If you feel the need to pull out a camera, its probably a moment of elevation. (Unless youre taking a selfie. In that case, just put it away, you narcissist.)So what is it at the core of a moment of elevation that we can add to any event to make it more special? Remember the 3 Sssensory, stakes, and script.Boost sensory appealThis is why concerts, museums and great meal s stick in your memory and why sitting on the couch is so forgettable. Engaging the senses more intensely makes moments stand out.Raise the stakesCompeting in a sporting event is more exciting than watching one. In fact, betting on a sporting event makes watching one more entertaining. If theres something to gain or lose, youll be paying attention.Break the script Dont do the usual thing. Dont just get coffee or have dinner. Boring. Take your default and flip it on its head. Defy expectations and strategically surprise people.Southwest Airlines broke the script by tweaking their normal flight safety announcement. One of the lines they added wasIf you should get to use the life vest in a real-life situation, the vest is yours to keep.People loved it. In fact, those who heard the new messages actually flew more. And that resulted in an extra $140 million per year for Southwest. Breaking the script produces delightful moments.The Heath brothers write,The most memorable periods of our l ives are when we break the script.Sounds kinda pat and corny but its true.Research shows that when older people look back on their lives, a disproportionate number of their big memories happened in a very narrow window between ages 15 and 30.Thats not even 20% of the average lifespan.Is this because our memory is sharper then? Or because young adulthood is a magic time?Heck, noIts because after 30 life can get pretty darn boring.After their third decade has passed, most people dont do anything as novel as falling in love for the first time, leaving home, going to college, or starting their first job.So months and years blur together because nothing new and shiny happens. But neuroscientist David Eagleman says that when you inject novelty into your life, you prevent the blur. Surprise stretches time. So break the script and interrupt the blur with moments of elevation.(To learn more about the science of a successful life, check out my new bookhere.)So boosting sensory appeal, raisin g the stakes and breaking the script can turn little moments into big memories. What else has that power?2) Celebrate moments of prideA graduation party. The ceremony where you received your black belt. Or that special session when the parole board declared you rehabilitated.You want to commemorate achievements. When you have your skill noticed by others, you can puff your chest out and take a second to feel really good about yourself.And this is not a nice to have. Research shows weneedthese.FromThe Power of MomentsCarolyn Wiley of Roosevelt University reviewed four similar studies of employee motivation conducted in 1946, 1980, 1986 and 1992. In each of the studies, employees were asked to rank the factors that motivated them. Popular answers included interesting work, job security, good wages, and feeling of being in on things. Across the studies, which spanned 46 years, only one factor was cited every time as among the top two motivators full appreciation of work done.According to one survey the Heath brothers found, the 1 reason people leave their jobs is a lack of praise and recognition. So take the time to appreciate what youve accomplished and to let others celebrate with you.Now I know what some people are thinkingBut I dont achieve big stuff very oftenBut youve already made big strides that you never took the time to revel in. Surface the milestones that already exist. How long have you and your BFF been friends? Ever celebrated that? Didnt think so. (No, that does not make you a bad friend. I still like you. Youre cool.)The Heath brothers tell the story of one couple that even looked back and actually celebratedfightsthe two of them had during their first year of marriage. Why? Because they got past them. They overcame the obstacles. Thats worth appreciating.And for extra credit, set goals. Build milestones on the road ahead. Why? Because the more finish lines you set, the more moments of pride youll be able to celebrate. Not only does that feel goo d, it willmotivate you.George Wu at the University of Chicago looked at the data on how long it took over nine million runners to complete marathons. Most took about 3.5 to 5 hours. But the results werent evenly distributed. Theres this huge spike right before the 4 hour mark. Why? 4 hours is arbitrary, right?Yeah - but its a nice round number. And for many it is achievable if they push themselves. People saw that arbitrary time limit approaching and kicked in the afterburners so they could say, I finished in under 4 hours. And so many did.Celebrate moments of pride. You dont have to win a Nobel Prize. In fact, celebrating a silly milestone breaks the script and may be even more memorable. Set goals so you have more moments of pride to motivate you to achieve and have more things to celebrate in the future.(To learn the seven-step morning ritual that will make you happy all day, clickhere.)So youve elevating and celebrating milestones. Great.But relationships are what brings us the most happiness. (And ice cream. Ice cream brings happiness, too.) So how do we make memories that deepen our relationships with others? (And may involve ice cream?)3) Build moments of connectionVacations. Reunions. Holidays.The times that bond us with others where we feel all kinds of warm fuzzies.These are the moments when some of the most powerful memories are formed.What does the research say deepens the connections you feel with others?Struggle. Yeah,struggle. No, Im not saying you should get in an argument with Uncle Jack again.Anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas (say that three times fast) found that groups that went through high-ordeals bonded far more than those that went through low-ordeals. Struggling together made people closer. This is why fraternities haze. Why soldiers feel like they are kin.So what the heck does this have to do with relaxing vacations and get-togethers with friends?Less watching movies and more playing board games as teams. Less shopping and more touch football. If it ends with high-fives, youre probably in the ballpark.And even better if its a team activity that is connected tomeaning. Yes, that even means helping your friend paint their new kitchen and having beers after. Youre helping them turn that house into their home.Even if it sounds like a chore beforehand, we often look back fondly on those times. especially if your friend paints himself into a corner.(To learn the 4 rituals from neuroscience that will make you happy, clickhere.)Okay, weve learned a lot. Hopefully it was a memorable moment - but just in case, lets round it all up and learn how to make the most powerful memories of allSum upThis is how to create happy memories that will last a lifetimeCreate moments of elevation Boost sensory appeal (light some fireworks.) Break the script (dont wait for the 4th of July.) Raise the stakes (hope you dont get arrested.)Celebrate moments of pride If yourfirst bookcomes out and someone insists you go someplace special that night,do it. Otherwise you wouldnt have a vivid memory. You wouldnt have photos. All you would have is some random date to remember like in 8th grade history class.Build moments of connection Struggle. Working together on something, especially something meaningful, bonds us together. So just help Gary move this weekend and stop whining.How do you make the most powerful memories of all?You dont have to use just one of the tips above to improve a moment - you can use themall.Celebrate a friends moment of pride with the struggle of a paintball match and break the script by also making it a costume party with everyone getting decked out in full military regalia - from the Revolutionary War.Nowthatsmemorable. And insane. But insane is memorable. And not boring.You now know how to make great memories that can last you the rest of your life. You can make them for friends as well even better,sharethem with friendsBut usually we dont. We do the hum-drum and the days blur together. Life be comes stale and boring and we die a little inside. But you dont have to.Break the script. Dont let the script break you.Join more than 320,000 readers.Get a free weekly update via emailhere.Related postsNew Neuroscience Reveals 4 Rituals That Will Make You HappyNew Harvard Research Reveals A Fun Way To Be More SuccessfulHow To Get People To Like You 7 Ways From An FBI Behavior ExpertThis article first appeared at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.

Business Plan FAQ - Australia

Business Plan FAQ - AustraliaBusiness Plan FAQ - AustraliaBusiness PlanWhy do I need a Business Plan?Lenders and investors are constantly presented with new geschftsleben proposals. If you provide all the required information in a consistent format then lenders and investors can make an efficient and fair analysis about the viability of your business ideas. By preparing a comprehensive business plan you send a homilie to your lenders and investors that you have already made an objective assessment of your business ideas and that you are serious about your business plan.What are the benefits of a Business Plan?Benefits of a Business Plan include Ensures you take a disciplined approach to analyzing your business ideas. Shows your investers and lenders that you have systematically analyzed your business ideas. Helps you clearly define your goals and what you want to accomplish. Helps you identify and analyze your risks as well as your opportunities. Helps you assess the strength of your target market. Helps you define your day-to-day business processes and challenges. Helps you analyze costs and capital requirements.DefinitionsWhat is an Executive Summary?An executive summary is a brief overview of a document. It allows the reader to quickly get an understanding of the content of a document without having to read the entire document.What is a Mission Statement?A Mission Statement describes the current purpose for the business. It answers the question What is our current business?. It should identify the products, services, markets and customers of the business. The mission statement should be easily understood and should help employees and customers understand the day-to-day focus of the business. Be honest and objective when drafting a mission statement. A mission statement that is unrealistic or inaccurate may cause cynicism in employees as well as in existing customers.What is a Vision Statement?A Vision Statement describes the future aspirations for the compan y. The Vision Statement should describe a strong and positive future that is beyond the comfort level of current day-to-day expectations.What is a least-cost provider?In any market there are businesses that target the high-end luxury market, companies that target the middle market (good value but lower price) and finally companies that sell a comparable product but for the least cost. Typically the product in this final category is a no-name brand and may be of a lesser quality. This final group is called the least-cost provider.What is a SWOT analysis?A SWOT analysis is a planning tool to help you objectively assess a business situation. The acronym SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Strengths and Weaknesses are internal factors affecting the success of your venture while Opportunities and Threats are external factors affecting your success. A SWOT analysis helps you objectively analyze the potential for your organization. A SWOT analysis can be used for planning at the organizational level or it may be used at a departmental level. What is a Capital Requirements Plan?A capital requirements plan describes how much money you need to finance any new business purchases as well as day-to-day operations in order to accomplish your business plan. It should describe how much cash you and other investors have provided and how much more you will need. It should also describe how this cash will be paid back.Financial StatementsWhat is an Income Statement?The income statement (also called profit and loss statement) establishes the profit or loss a business has made in a given period by comparing revenue to expenses. The income statement will show the financial progress of an organization over a period of time.What is a Cash Flow Statement?The cash flow statement shows the net change in cash holdings for an organization by comparing the cash coming in to the cash going out for a fixed period of time. Projected cash flow statements will help an organization anticipate cash requirements and help prevent crippling cash shortages.What is a Balance Sheet?The balance sheet describes the net worth of an organization by comparing assets, liabilities, and owners equity. The balance sheet shows the financial state of the company at one point in time.What is Cost of Goods traktament (COGS)?In a manufacturing environment, Cost of Goods Sold includes the material costs AND the direct labor costs necessary to produce finished goods. In a simple retail or wholesale environment COGS can be calculated as beginning inventory plus purchases minus ending inventory. Ideally this indicates the inventory consumed in the reporting period.

The Resume Layout 2018 Chronicles

The Resume Layout 2018 Chronicles Getting the Best Resume Layout 2018 Theres no precise length for a resume, and theres no standard to it. One other important decision you must make about your resume format is the duration of your resume. Thus the format is essential in preparing a suitable presentation of your resume. Well, the very first step is to begin with a format for a resume 2018. The total appearance of your resume is dependent upon the resume format, font and outline you select. Its also advisable to take advantage of clear and clean headings. Employing color may be a very good concept, but bear in mind that should you submit your resume by email or on the internet, it will likely be printed using black ink. To make the correct impression, you will need the right resume format. What You Must Know About Resume Layout 2018 A good resume creator makes a resume not just to look better but to make it even more effective in the opinion of recruiters. Often utilizing a functional layout for your resume will enable you to be identified as a great match for the work even when you dont have any formal knowledge in that position. Get the job that you deserve, not the one youre stuck in. Make certain you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about What Is So Fascinating About Resume Layout 2018? There arent any particular rules on the length of time your resume should be. Target the work particularly to demonstrate that youre the very best applicant in only a couple of pages. Based on your profession, additional sections will be different. unterstellung sections will run through some of the numerous issues that you may face with your resume and the way it is possible to overcome them. Lies Youve Been Told About Resume Layout 2018 Show employers that youre updated and make a fantastic first impression by selecting the correct template. Predominantly, the initial two criteria are the most crucial when deciding on the best resume layout examples. Whats also cool about our hand-picked selection is the simple fact that numerous packages include bonuses like cover letters or company cards. There are lots of beautiful resume templates out there, but nevertheless, it can be simple to feel as a lot of the greatest cost a ridiculous quantity of money, require special design programs in order to edit, or both. Where to Find Resume Layout 2018 Just dont forget that it is important to always fit your requirements and desires making certain your resume looks exactly like you require it to look. In some places, the work market for nurses can be rather tough. Your resume should contain enough info to clearly demonstrate that you satisfy every one of the expectations for the job which youre applying to. Once your resume is prepared to go, you are going to wish to be sure to receive it in front of as many employers as possible. At length, you are going to want to bring a skills section. You use your finest skills that are related to the job as subheadings. Its content-packed layout is excellent for engaging employers with a variety of facts, from experience to education. The style of resume you will use greatly is dependent on your professional work background and qualifications. Writing that effective resume 2018 however isnt a simple task in any respect, for example, should you need some college student resume for internship 2018. If you do apply for work, you already know that you need to equip yourself with the latest resume trends so you can stay informed about your fellow applicants. Professionally, our resumes are often the very first impression a possible employer gets of us. If you are in possession of a lengthy employment history, you dont will need to include all of it. As soon as you add your private stamp to it through imputing your exclusive abilities, professional experiences, and wording, it is going to stand from the crowd for all of the perfect factors. You must be very detailed about your experience in order to trigger more questions for you and boost your odds of getting hired. You havent utilized the best resume format 2018 layout Your resume 2018 layout may have a substantial influence on how easily the recruiter will discover the information they are looking for and your odds of being invited for an interview. However much or what type of work experience youve got, theres a resume format that is likely to make your qualifications shine. By applying the most suitable words in the most suitable places, a resume builder can create a resume be a great deal more efficient. Theres no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better prospect of standing from the crowd even supposing its made utilizing a template. The main reason behind that is they recommend that applicants should always be prepared to present themselves well even without the assistance of anybody. So make certain you did your hom ework and researched the business in advance A simple resume template will help you become by that software easily Creating a resume with the assistance of a template can help you become mindful of the resume areas that you must fill. Utilizing a resume template is extremely useful in making your professional profile. It has become an acceptable and smart practice for a number of reasons. The Resume Layout 2018 Cover Up To acquire a job, youve got to make the appropriate resume. The duration of your resume will be dependent on how much space you will need to compactly and precisely list your relevant abilities and accomplishments. You for sure want to understand how to create a perfect resume without needing to shell out an excessive amount of time and receiving the very best of effectiveness from it. Classic resumes no longer have to include your fax or house number, and a few different things have gotten redundant. Your resume must be filled with all the data you want t o convey about yourself to advertise yourself. Now, see that you get to incorporate all info needed and do avoid hiding employment gaps in case you have any. Youve collated all of the information that has to go in your resume. It is vital to supply the information and knowledge in correct way. For instance, you may decide to left-align essential dates on your resume by including a left tab stop, which means that your dates are wholly aligned with one another. The content of your resume, dependent on the sample resume for marketing manager in 2018, should be customized per job application, which means that you should create a specific resume for each and every application youre making. Attempt to keep the resume no longer than 1 page, especially if youre asking for an entry-level job. Double check to be certain that everything on the last version of the resume is about you.

Vacation work Launch your career in one summer

Vacation work Launch your career in one summer Vacation Work Launch Your Career In One SummerPosted October 13, 2011, by Andrea RiddellIf your time at university is drawing to an end and youre worried about your chances of finding employment, applying for a summer vacation program could help you secure the job of your dreams at the end of your study. Vacation or summer internship programs are paid work opportunities during the summer break, available to students in their penultimate year of study. Many companies in different industries offer vacation programs for students looking to gain some hands-on work experience.However, with limited spaces and high interest from students, the application stage can be a long and gruelling process for recruiters to sort the wheat from the chaff. Here are some of the steps in the application process that will test your skills, personality and ability to stand out from the crowd.An eye-catching resumeAll companies will require your resume in one f orm or another. Your resume provides a snapshot of who you are and the kind of responsibilities you have had in the past. It is very important that you include all your extracurricular activities and interests, which will help to show that you are a well-rounded and interesting person. Include your recent achievements and employment history, no matter how irrelevant it may seem to the position. Companies are aware that its highly unlikely that youll have

How to ask for a job referral, and the template you should use

How to ask for a job referral, and the template you should useHow to ask for a job referral, and the template you should useThere are a million ways to mess up when you ask someone for a referral for a job or for someone else - especially if you dont know how well the two people know each other. Heres what to keep in mind.Be sure to hold their attentionHannah Morgan, an author, speaker and founder of Career Sherpa, writes in U.S. News World Report about reaching out cold via email.As a last-ditch effort to try and make contact with someone who works inside a company, you may resolve to sending a katechese to someone you dont know at all. If you are lucky enough to find their email, use that, otherwise, youll have to send a message through LinkedIn. Its important that your message hits the strangers radar so be sure to use an attention-grabbing subject line and engaging first sentence. Also make sure you reference something you both have in common such as college, LinkedIn groups or outside interests.Do the heavy lifting for themThis could make things easier.Anum Hussain, cofounder of personal news assistantAcciyo, a former growth marketer at HubSpot and co-author of Twitter for Dummies, wrote about asking for a referral on HubSpots website.She mentions that she wanted to get in touch with someone, and upon seeing on LinkedIn that the person went to the same school as one of her colleagues, she asked that connection for a referral.Hussain goes on to mention that the issue is peoples lack of time, but that the solution is to write the introduction yourself.As mentioned, most people dont want to welcheste any of their already precious time. So when I asked Andy for the referral, I was sure to write the bare bones of the introduction myself. That way, Andy could customize it without having to start from scratch, she writes, before providing an example.Give them an outAlison Doyle, a career expert, author and founder and CEO of CareerToolBelt.com, writes about thi s in The Balance.The problem can be what they are going say. Rather, ask Do you feel you know my work well enough to refer me for a job at your company? or Do you feel you could give me a referral? That way, your referrer has an out if they are not comfortable providing a referral for you and you can be assured that those who say yes will be enthusiastic about your performance and will write a positive letter or give you a strong endorsement,Heres a sample script to use for your next referral requestFeel free to follow this template, which is roughly based on the tips aboveHello person youre contacting,Hope youre doing well at X company.I appreciate your time, so Ill keep it short. Im looking to get in contact with X at X company.I just saw that you have X in common with them, and was wondering if you would be interested in connecting the two of us for X reason, if you know them well enough.To make things easier for you, Ive already written out a basic sample script, just in case yo ure on board- but if not, I understand.Looking forward to hearing from you,Your name here

Bad bosses usually think theyre awesome

Bad bosses usually think theyre awesomeBad bosses usually think theyre awesomeWhen you enter the meeting, your palms are sweaty. Your nerves have really got the best of you this time- what if you give your presentation, and as soon as he hears about your vision for this project, everything goes up in flames as he rips your confidence into shreds?You almost feel like theres no point in bringing up the fact that his treatment isnt fair, because as everyone knows, his yep is law. You think,Who am I to communicate to the person who hired me that theyve crossed the line.Take comfort yes, you do have a terrible boss. But your boss doesnt know hes terrible. He (or she) thinks he is absolutely awesome.Dont believe it? Well, its science.Terrible leaders get that way by being paid too muchIts all about self-perception. Overconfident leaders tend to think highly of their own leadership, which is why they demand large pay packages and have trouble believing that things may not be working out.Ah ighly-paid CEO may actually hurt a business, according to 2013 researchby researchers from the University of Cambridge and Purdue University.High pay, in other words, does not guarantee that a leader will turn in strong performance, as measured by a companys stock price. In fact, its quite the opposite the higher paid a leader, the mora likely the company will suffer under his leadership.Firms that pay their CEOs in the top ten percent of excess pay earn negative abnormal returns over the next three years, the researchers found.Why? Because higher pay tends to make people believe theyre right. If they were always wrong, the thinking goes, they wouldnt be paid so much, right? So the leaders tend to splash out on big, expensive plans that eventually lose money.The findings seemed to be driven by high-pay induced CEO overconfidence that leads to shareholder wealth losses from activities such as overinvestment and value-destroying mergers and acquisitions, the article said.Overconfidenc e hurts leaders and the companies they runTheStanford Graduate School of Businessand the Wharton School looked at overconfidence in leaders, as measured by their investment decisions.Overconfident leaders invariably think that companies will 100% improve under their leadership. How do we know that? Because as soon as they take over a company, they gather more and more stock and have trouble letting it go.CEOs who are overly convinced about their own leadership capabilities are not actively trying to get rich at shareholders expense theyre just misperceiving the situation, saidUlrike Malmendier, an assistant professor of finance at Stanford Graduate School of Business and a co-author on the study.Using data on the CEOs of 477 Fortune 500 companies from 1980-1994, the researchers tracked CEO overconfidence by studying the tendency of a CEO to overly invest in his or her own company by habitually buying its stock or by holding-gesellschaft on to stock options long beyond the point when they should be exercised, according to the Stanford Graduate School of Business.The study found that a typical CEO will invest 19% of available marginal cash flow in investment projectsbut an overconfident one will invest 36%, according to the Stanford Graduate School of Business.Malmendiertold the institutionthat overconfidence can sometimes be good for leaders to have.The role of narcissismStill, arrogance in management is rarely benign. It couldput a company in danger.A 2012 study on CEO narcissism and fraud found that narcissistic CEOs behave unethically to obtain their goals and satisfy their constant need for praise and admiration. Highly narcissistic CEOs may achieve greatness for their companies. However if left uncontrolled, too much narcissism may result in unethical behavior and jeopardize the interests of their companies.The bottom line you may think its obvious that your boss is terrible, but he or she has no idea thats the case.How to handle a schwimmbad bossThere are some good ways to handle bad bosses, whatever their failings. Daily Worth has a nice roundup.Heres some advice we like, too.Dont handle a really bad boss at all. If your boss is bad enough - abusive, disrespectful, disparaging - then get a transfer or a new job. The more time you spend in an abusive work situation, the more likely you will burn out and hurt your career progression for years. Abusive bosses are bad for your physical health.Learn how to manage up. Its rare to have a perfect boss, so everyone needs strategies for managing bosses. We like this grouping of advice, which includes everything from talking it out to learning how to rise above the drama.Try to figure out whether the terrible behavior is temporary or a personality feature. Bosses are humans too and go through rough times. If you feel your boss isnt being effective, try to figure out whether its a brief blip that will pass or something that seems more permanent. If its the latter, its worth flagging it to th e boss himself.Learn how to get information in a non-confrontational way. No one likes hearing that theyre screwing up. Instead of freaking out and demanding answers, or lobbing accusations, think more diplomatically. There may be factors you dont know in your bosss decisions. Questions are effective ways to present ideas while getting more information and context I saw the latest initiative and I have a question about it. Do you have five minutes to clarify the impact on future operations?Collect lessons for the future. Many excellent managers became that way by learning what not to do from their own bad bosses. Observe what is ineffective about the leaders around you and think about how you can improve on that style in the future.

9 simple ways to make your mornings less painful

9 simple ways to make your mornings less painful9 simple ways to make your mornings less painfulWhen youre a working mom, a busy college student, or a young professional, mornings can be jam-packed with racing around as you handle endless to-dos. For anyone looking to make over their morning routine, there are a plethora ofproducts geared toward getting bright-eyedif youre a night owl,healthy breakfaststo give anyone an energizing boost, andrecommended morning habitsto jump-start your day, but the sheer volume of suggestions can seem overwhelming. Laura Vanderkam - time management expert and author ofOff the Clock- is stepping in to share some proven simple ways to turn your hassled mornings into more manageable and productive parts of the week.1. List out your priorities.Vanderkam suggests making a list of your current top priorities. Time management is, fundamentally, about spending more time on things that matter to you and less on things that dont. Getting clear on priorities g ives you a framework for deciding what belongs in your schedule and what doesnt (or should be minimized if it cant be avoided). Write down what you want to accomplish with your mornings - whether its exercise, spending more time with your kids, or working on a passion project.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more2. Use mornings to pay yourself first.Once youve figured out the top priority your morning should advance, focus on it when youre the freshest. Exercise is often a great way to start the day, since it can give you a natural boost of energy. If family dinners are tough to wrangle, family breakfasts together would be a wonderful time to connect. If you maintain a full-time job while working on a side hustle (like writing a novel, starting a business, or painting), mornings might be a window of time to dedicate energy for it. For college students, Vanderkam shares, If your cla ssmates sleep in until 10, getting up at 830am - not exactly the crack of dawn - can open up what feels like extra time.3. Knock out your toughest tasks before the rest.In her book, Vanderkam writes, Planning your toughest task for when you have the most energy means you can cut that task from two hours to one. When starting your days work - whether youre a freelancer or full-time employee - figure out which project will take the most discipline, then tackle it early. Reserve routine tasks for later in the day when most peoples energy is lower. Leaving an important task to a time of day when youre likely to get distracted means it will take longer, reminds Vanderkam.4. Simplify routines.InOff the Clock, Vanderkam suggests a number of ways to free up more time by streamlining common tasks You might designate a specific spot for car keys in the morning, or you could create a FAQ document to copy and paste when someone wants to spielblttchen your brain. For mornings specifically, V anderkam recommends either winnowing down your wardrobe to what works best for you on a daily basis (making it easier to choose your OOTD) or preselecting your clothes for the next day before you sleep (so youre ready to dress as soon as youre up).5. Cut down on distractions.Our biggest time suck in the morning is digging into emails or social media as part of getting ready before heading to the office or plunging into the days routine. While it may seem like looking at your phone is productive, Vanderkam says that avoiding being buried in your phone first thing in the morning can free up time to exercise, meditate, and connect with loved ones.6. Find reflection time.Remembering what youre grateful for through journaling, meditating, or writing down gratitude lists is a way to make your day feel more spacious and inviting. A busy morning can make a lot of people feel like they have zero time to reflect, but Vanderkam points out that there are often hidden opportunities we can uncove r. Think of the shower as reflective time. You probably find time to shower, so as youre in there, think about your day, what you like about your life, and what youre grateful for.7. Wake up 10 minutes early.Using your mornings well doesnt mean you have to get up at 5am. Setting your clock even just 10 minutes before you need to start your day can be an excellent way to squeeze in your priorities or new goals. Waking up a little bit early means you can use this time for something thats important to you that life has a way of crowding out, encourages Vanderkam. You could write in a journal for five minutes, do some push-ups and sit-ups, and have a great morning routine.8. Swap unproductive evening hours for productive morning routines.If youregenuinelydoing your best work at night, then youre a night owl. But for most people who say theyre not morning people, says Vanderkam, what it really means is just that theyre still tired when they wake up. Evaluate how you spend your evenings. If you could cut back on something thats not a priority to go to bed a bit earlier, you could start the morning more refreshed and ready to make the most of it - or even wake up a little sooner.9. Design your morning.To make over your mornings, Vanderkam says, Think about what you could reliably do at least a few times a week, even when things go wrong. You dont have to move mountains in one shove. You just have to do a little bit at a time and just keep going. She gives some examples If you write 250 words every morning, you could finish a draft of a novel in a year. Lifting weights three mornings a week would make you stronger in six months. Craft a morning routine that you like rather than trudging through what you dislike (which slows you down).This article originally appeared on Brit + Co.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people